Synthesis of glycols via transfer hydrogenation of alpha-functional esters with alcohols

ABSTRACT

A transfer hydrogenation process for forming vicinal diols by hydrogenating 1,2-dioxygenated organic compounds using alcohols as the reducing agent instead of the traditional H2 gas. The transfer hydrogenation is carried out under milder conditions of temperature and pressure than is typical for ester hydrogenation with H2. The milder conditions of operation provide benefits, such as lower operating and capital costs for industrial scale production as well as savings in product purification due to the avoidance of by-products from exposure of reaction mixtures and products to high temperatures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application 62/540,354 filed on Aug. 2, 2017 under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to the field of organic chemistry. It particularly relates to the catalytic transfer of hydrogen from alcohols to α-functional esters to form 1,2-diols.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional processes for preparing ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG) entail partial oxidation of ethylene or propylene followed by hydration of the resulting epoxides. More recently, hydrogenation of glycolate or oxalate esters has been proposed as alternative methods for preparing EG from alternative feedstock materials. These latter methods, however, suffer from one or more drawbacks, such as requiring the use of expensive precious or rare metal catalysts, high temperatures, and/or high hydrogen pressures.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a process for hydrogenating α-functional esters (such as glycolate esters, lactate esters, and oxalate esters) that does not suffer from these drawbacks.

The present invention addresses this need as well as others, which will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is as set forth in the appended claims.

Briefly, the invention provides a process for preparing a 1,2-diol. The process comprises contacting an ester of the formulas (IV) or (V):

with an anhydrous C₂-C₁₂ alcohol in the presence of a catalyst of the formula (I):

in a reactor at ambient pressure and elevated temperature for a time sufficient to form a 1,2-diol, wherein

R¹ and R² are each independently an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, dialkylamido, diarylamido, or alkylarylamido group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms;

R³ and R⁴ are each independently an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, if E is nitrogen;

R³ and R⁴ are each independently an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, dialkylamido, diarylamido, or alkylarylamido group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, if E is phosphorus;

R¹, R², and P may be connected to form a 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic ring;

R³, R⁴, and E may be connected to form a 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic ring;

R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently a C₁-C₆ alkylene or arylene group;

E is phosphorus or nitrogen;

L is a neutral ligand;

R¹⁰ is an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms;

R¹¹ is each independently hydrogen, or an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and

R¹² is hydrogen, or an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or aryloxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has been surprisingly discovered that certain iron-based catalysts are effective for the transfer hydrogenation of α-functional esters (such as glycolates or oxalates) to 1,2-diols in the presence of an alcohol as a sacrificial donor. The transfer hydrogenation (TH) uses a sacrificial alcohol (RR′CHOH) donor molecule instead of H2 gas as the reducing agent. Since no additional H2 pressure is required, these reactions can be run under ambient (or near ambient) pressure and at mild temperatures (e.g., ˜100° C.).

Thus, the present invention provides a process for preparing a 1,2-diol. The process comprises contacting an ester of the formulas (IV) or (V):

with an anhydrous C₂-C₁₂ alcohol in the presence of a catalyst of the formula (I):

in a reactor at ambient pressure and elevated temperature for a time sufficient to form a 1,2-diol.

R1 and R2 in the formula (I) are each independently an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, dialkylamido, diarylamido, or alkylarylamido group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

R3 and R4 in the formula (I) are each independently an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, if E is nitrogen.

R3 and R4 in the formula (I) are each independently an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, dialkylamido, diarylamido, or alkylarylamido group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, if E is phosphorus.

R5 and R6 in the formula (I) are each independently a C1-C6 alkylene or arylene group.

E in the formula (I) is phosphorus or nitrogen.

L in the formula (I) is a neutral ligand.

R1, R2, and P in the formula (I) may be connected to form a 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic ring.

R3, R4, and E in the formula (I) may be connected to form a 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic ring.

R10 in the formulas (IV) or (V) is an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

R11 in the formula (IV) is each independently hydrogen, or an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

R12 in the formula (V) is hydrogen, or an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or aryloxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

One or more of R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be substituted with one or more groups selected from ethers and amides. The substituents on R1, R2, R3, and R4, if any, may be the same or different.

Examples of ether groups include methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, and the like.

Examples of amide groups include dimethylamido, diethylamido, diisopropylamido, and the like.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to straight, branched, or cyclic alkyl groups. Examples of such groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, tert-pentyl, neopentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl, 3-pentyl, cyclopentyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, cyclohexyl, and the like.

The term “aryl” generally refers to phenyl or naphthyl. But in connection with R10 and R11, the term “aryl” includes not only phenyl and naphthyl, but also other hydrocarbon rings containing alternating single and double bonds, such as indene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, phenanthrene, tryphenylene, pyrene, etc.

The term “alkylene” refers to a divalent alkyl group.

The term “arylene” refers to a divalent aryl group.

The term “alkoxy” refers to an —OR group, such as —OCH3, —OEt, —OiPr, —OBu, —OiBu, and the like.

The term “aryloxy” refers to an —OAr group, such as —OPh, —O(substituted Ph), —Onaphthyl, and the like.

The term “dialkylamido” refers to an —NR′R″ group, such as dimethylamido, diethylamido, diisopropylamido, and the like.

The term “diarylamido” refers to an —NAr′Ar″ group, such as diphenylamido.

The term “alkylarylamido” refers to an —NRAr group, such as methylphenylamido.

The term “neutral ligand” refers to a ligand with a neutral charge. Examples of neutral ligands include carbon monoxide, an ether compound, a phosphine compound, an amine compound, an amide compound, a nitrile compound, and an N-containing heterocyclic compound. Examples of neutral phosphine ligands include trimethylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, triphenylphosphine, and the like. Examples of neutral amine ligands include trialkylamines, alkylarylamines, and dialkylarylamines, such as trimethylamine and N,N-dimethylanaline. Examples of neutral nitrile ligands include acetonitrile. Examples of neutral N-containing heterocyclic ligands include pyridine and 1,3-dialkyl- or diaryl-imidazole carbenes.

In one embodiment, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are all isopropyl. In another embodiment, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are all phenyl.

In one embodiment, R5 and R6 are both —(CH2CH2)-.

In one embodiment, E is phosphorus.

In various embodiments, the catalyst of the formula (I) has the formula (1c):

where ^(i)Pr represents an isopropyl group.

The ester of the formulas (IV) or (V) useful in the present invention is not particularly limiting. In various embodiments, the ester includes a compound of the formula (IV). Such α-hydroxy carboxylic acid esters are sometimes referred to as glycolates. In various other embodiments, the ester includes a compound of the formula (V) where R12 is hydrogen, or an alkyl or aryl group. Such α-carbonyl carboxylic acid esters are sometimes referred to as glyoxalates. In yet various other embodiments, the ester includes a compound of the formula (V) where R12 is an alkoxy or aryloxy group. Such 1,2-diesters are sometimes referred to as oxalates.

Examples of the glycolates of the formula (IV) include methyl glycolate, ethyl glycolate, propyl glycolate, isopropyl glycolate, butyl glycolate, isobutyl glycolate, sec-butyl glycolate, 2-ethylhexyl glycolate, tert-butyl glycolate, cyclohexyl glycolate, phenyl glycolate, benzyl glycolate, naphthyl glycolate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, propyl lactate, isopropyl lactate, butyl lactate, isobutyl lactate, sec-butyl lactate, 2-ethylhexyl lactate, tert-butyl lactate, cyclohexyl lactate, benzyl lactate, methyl □-hydroxybutyrate, methyl □-hydroxyvalerate, methyl □-hydroxy-4-methylvalerate, methyl □-hydroxycaproate, methyl □-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate, methyl □-hydroxy-3-methylvalerate, methyl □-hydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyrate, methyl □-hydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyrate, methyl mandelate, methyl □-hydroxy-3-phenyl propionate, methyl □-hydroxyisobutyrate, ethyl □-hydroxyisobutyrate, propyl □-hydroxyisobutyrate, isopropyl □-hydroxyisobutyrate, butyl □-hydroxyisobutyrate, methyl □-hydroxy-2-ethylbutyrate, ethyl □-hydroxy-2-ethylbutyrate, propyl □-hydroxy-2-ethylbutyrate, ethylene glycol diglycolate, ethylene glycol glycolate, propylene glycol dilactate, propylene glycol monolactate, and the like. Glycolide or lactide (which are cyclic dimers of structural formula (IV)), oligomeric glycolates or lactates, and soluble low molecular weight polyesters of glycolic or lactic acid or copolyesters containing glycolic acid or lactic acid monomers in their compositions are further examples of the glycolate of the formula (IV).

Examples of the glyoxalates of the formula (V) include methyl glyoxalate, ethyl glyoxalate, propyl glyoxzalate, isopropyl glyoxalate, butyl glyoxalate, isobutyl glyoxalate, sec-butyl glyoxalate, tert-butyl glyoxalate, 2-ethylhexyl glyoxalate, phenyl glyoxalate, ethylene glycol mono- and diglyoxalate and mixtures thereof, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, isopropyl pyruvate, butyl pyruvate, isobutyl pyruvate, sec-butyl pyruvate, tert-butyl pyruvate, phenyl pyruvate, propylene glycol mono- and dipyruvate and mixtures thereof, methyl phenylglyoxalate, ethyl phenylglyoxalate, propyl phenylglyoxalate, isopropyl phenylglyoxalate, butyl phenylglyoxalate, isobutyl phenylglyoxalate, sec-butyl phenylglyoxalate, tert-butyl phenylglyoxalate, mono- and diesters of phenylglyoxalic acid with 2-phenyl, and the like.

Examples of the oxalates of the formula (V) include dimethyl oxalate, diethyl oxalate, dipropyl oxalate, diisopropyl oxalate, dibutyl oxalate, diisobutyl oxalate, di-sec-butyl oxalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)oxalate, di-tert-butyl oxalate, diphenyl oxalate, dicyclohexyl oxalate, dibenzyl oxalate, and low molecular weight oligomeric esters produced from condensation of oxalates, such as those above and varying amounts of ethylene glycol.

The 1,2-diol that can be produced using the process of the invention is not particularly limiting. Examples of such diols include 1,2-ethanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol, 1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol, and 3-phenyl-1,2-propanediol.

The anhydrous alcohols useful in the present invention typically contain 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The alcohols may be linear, branched, or cyclic. Specific examples of suitable alcohols include ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, etc.

In various embodiments, the alcohol is ethanol. Anhydrous ethanol is commercially available in various grades, such as 200 proof, ≥99% of ethanol by volume, ≥99.5% of ethanol by volume, <1% of water by volume, <0.5% of water by volume, or <0.005% of water by volume. Any of these grades may be used in the TH reaction.

Preferably, the reaction mixture contains less than 1 wt %, less than 0.5 wt %, less than 0.4 wt %, less than 0.3 wt %, less than 0.2 wt %, less than 0.1 wt %, less than 0.05 wt %, less than 0.01 wt %, less than 0.005 wt %, or less than 0.001 wt % of water, based on the total weight of the reaction mixture. In one embodiment, the TH reaction is carried out in the absence of water.

The contacting step/TH reaction is preferably carried out using excess alcohol. For example, the molar ratio of the C2-C12 alcohol to the ester can be from 2:1 to 100:1, and all ranges in between including 2:1 to 50:1 and 10:1 to 30:1.

In one embodiment, the ester comprises methyl glycolate, the C2-C12 alcohol comprises ethanol, and the 1,2-diol comprises ethylene glycol.

In another embodiment, the ester comprises dimethyl oxalate, the C₂-C₁₂ alcohol comprises ethanol, and the 1,2-diol comprises ethylene glycol.

In yet another embodiment, the ester comprises methyl lactate, the C2-C12 alcohol comprises ethanol, and the 1,2-diol comprises propylene glycol.

The transfer hydrogenation process according to the invention can produce valuable by-products, such as ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate may be isolated and purified by conventional methods and sold as a commodity chemical. Alternatively, the ethyl acetate can be hydrogenated at mild conditions and recycled as the reducing agent in an ambient pressure EG process.

The catalyst of the formula (I) may be prepared in multiple ways. For example, the catalyst may be formed in situ by introducing a pre-catalyst of the formulas (IIa) or (IIb):

into the reactor and exposing the pre-catalyst to heat, an acid, a base, or combinations thereof to form the catalyst of the formula (I).

R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, E, and L in the formulas (IIa) or (IIb) are as defined in formula (I).

Z in the formula (IIa) is R7 or X.

R7 is hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl group.

X is [BH4]- or a halide.

L2 in the formula (IIb) is a neutral ligand.

The alkyl or aryl group represented by R7 may contain from 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

The halides represented by X include chloride, bromide, and iodide. In one embodiment, X is chloride or bromide.

Examples of the neutral ligand L2 include an ether compound, an amide compound, a nitrile compound, and an N-containing heterocyclic compound.

In one embodiment, when X is a halide, the pre-catalyst is exposed to a base and optionally to heat to generate the catalyst.

In another embodiment, when X is [BH4]-, the pre-catalyst is exposed to heat, but optionally in the absence of a base, to generate the catalyst.

Unless the context clearly suggests otherwise, as used herein, the expression “in the absence of” means that the referenced component is not added from an external source (i.e., one that is independent of the reactants) or, if added, is not added in an amount that affects the TH reaction to an appreciable extent, for example, an amount that can change the yield of the corresponding alcohol by more than 10%, by more than 5%, by more than 1%, by more than 0.5%, or by more than 0.1%.

In various embodiments, the pre-catalyst of the formula (IIa) has the formula (1a):

where ^(i)Pr represents an isopropyl group.

In various embodiments, the pre-catalyst of the formula (IIb) has the formula (1b):

where ^(i)Pr represents an isopropyl group.

Alternatively, the catalyst of the formula (I) may be formed in situ by the steps of:

(a) introducing (i) an iron salt or an iron complex comprising the neutral ligand (L), (ii) a ligand of the formula (III):

and (iii) optionally the neutral ligand (L) into the reactor to form a pre-catalyst mixture; and

(b) optionally exposing the pre-catalyst mixture to heat, an acid, a base, or combinations thereof to form the catalyst of the formula (I).

R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and E in the formula (III) are as defined in formula (I).

Examples of iron salts suitable for making the catalyst of the formula (I) include [Fe(H2O)6](BF4)2, Fe(CO)5, FeCl2, FeBr2, FeI2, [Fe3(CO)12], Fe(NO3)2, FeSO4, and the like.

Iron complexes comprising the neutral ligand (L) may be made by methods known in the art and/or are commercially available.

Ligands of the formula (III) may be made by methods known in the art and/or are commercially available.

The heat employed for generating the catalyst is not particularly limiting. It may be the same as the heat used for the TH reaction. For example, the pre-catalyst or pre-catalyst mixture may be exposed to elevated temperatures, such as from 40 to 200° C., 40 to 160° C., 40 to 150° C., 40 to 140° C., 40 to 130° C., 40 to 120° C., 40 to 100° C., 80 to 160° C., 80 to 150° C., 80 to 140° C., 80 to 130° C., 80 to 120° C., or 80 to 100° C., to form the catalyst.

The acid for forming the catalyst is not particularly limiting. Examples of suitable acids include formic acid, HBF₄, HPF₆, HOSO₂CF₃, and the like.

The base for forming the catalyst is not particularly limiting. Both inorganic as well as organic bases may be used. Examples of suitable inorganic bases include Na, K, NaH, NaOH, KOH, CsOH, LiHCO₃, NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, CsHCO₃, Li₂CO₃, Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, Cs₂CO₃, and the like. Suitable organic bases include metal alkoxides and nitrogen-containing compounds. Examples of suitable metal alkoxides include alkali-metal C₁-C₆ alkoxides, such as LiOEt, NaOEt, KOEt, and KOt-Bu. In one embodiment, the base is sodium methoxide (NaOMe). In another embodiment, the base is sodium ethoxide (NaOEt). Examples of nitrogen-containing bases include trialkylamines, such as triethylamine.

Typically, a 1:1 molar equivalent of base to catalyst precursor is used to generate the catalyst. More than a 1:1 molar equivalent ratio may be used, e.g., a 2:1 ratio of base to catalyst precursor. However, using a large excess amount of base should be avoided, as it may suppress the formation of the 1,2-diol.

The conditions effective for forming the 1,2-diol include an elevated temperature. The temperature conducive for the TH reaction may range, for example, from 50 to 180° C., including all ranges in between, such as from 75 to 100° C.

Advantageously, the TH reaction may be conducted at ambient pressure or near ambient pressure. As noted, the process of the invention does not require a molecular hydrogen atmosphere. Therefore, preferably, the reaction is conducted in the absence of exogenous molecular hydrogen (H2).

Preferably, the contacting step/TH reaction is carried out in the absence of a base. Basic conditions during the reaction may tend to suppress the formation of the 1,2-diol.

The TH reaction may be conducted in the presence or absence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the contacting step/TH reaction is conducted in the presence of a solvent. In another embodiment, the contacting step/TH reaction is conducted in the absence of a solvent.

If desired, the TH reaction may be performed in common non-polar solvents, such as aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons, or in slightly polar, aprotic solvents, such as ethers. Examples of aliphatic solvents include pentanes and hexanes. Examples of aromatic solvents include benzene, xylenes, toluene, and trimethylbenzenes. Examples of ethers include tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, diethyl ether, and polyethers.

In various embodiments, the reaction is conducted in benzene, xylene(s), mesitylene, or toluene at atmospheric pressure.

If used, the solvent may be added in amounts of 1:1 to 100:1 or 1:1 to 20:1 (v/v), relative to the amount of the alcohol reactant.

The TH reaction can take place with catalyst loadings of 0 ppm (0.001 mol %). For example, the reaction may be carried out with catalyst loadings of 10 to 20,000 ppm (0.001 to 2 mol %), 10 to 15,000 ppm (0.001 to 1.5 mol %), 10 to 10,000 ppm (0.001 to 1 mol %), 10 to 1,000 ppm (0.001 to 0.1 mol %), or 10 to 500 ppm (0.01 to 0.05 mol %).

The process of the invention may be carried out in a batch or continuous mode. The reaction product(s) may be separated by conventional means, and the catalyst may be recycled.

The process according to the invention can produce the 1,2-diol with yields of at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%. The reaction times in which these yields may be achieved include 20 hours or less, 18 hours or less, 16 hours or less, 12 hours or less, 10 hours or less, or 8 hour or less.

Low pressure hydrogenation of esters by TH allows for the production of glycols, such as EG and PG, with advantages in capital and operating costs, safety of operation, and flexibility for smaller scale, batch operations where high pressure facilities may not be readily available.

The present invention includes and expressly contemplates any and all combinations of embodiments, features, characteristics, parameters, and/or ranges disclosed herein. That is, the invention may be defined by any combination of embodiments, features, characteristics, parameters, and/or ranges mentioned herein.

As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean one or more, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. Similarly, the singular form of nouns includes their plural form, and vice versa, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise.

While attempts have been made to be precise, the numerical values and ranges described herein should be considered to be approximations (even when not qualified by the term “about”). These values and ranges may vary from their stated numbers depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention as well as the variations resulting from the standard deviation found in the measuring techniques. Moreover, the ranges described herein are intended and specifically contemplated to include all sub-ranges and values within the stated ranges. For example, a range of 50 to 100 is intended to describe and include all values within the range including sub-ranges such as 60 to 90 and 70 to 80.

The content of all documents cited herein, including patents as well as non-patent literature, is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. To the extent that any incorporated subject matter contradicts with any disclosure herein, the disclosure herein shall take precedence over the incorporated content.

This invention can be further illustrated by the following examples of preferred embodiments thereof, although it will be understood that these examples are included merely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise specifically indicated.

EXAMPLES

General Experimental Information

Unless otherwise noted, all the organometallic compounds were prepared and handled under a nitrogen atmosphere using standard Schlenk and glovebox techniques. Anhydrous EtOH (200 proof) and toluene were purchased from Sigma Aldrich and stored with 4 Å molecular sieves. Both EtOH and toluene were freshly distilled prior to use. Dimethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (DMCD, a mixture of cis and trans isomers, >90% purity) was purchased from Alfa Aesar and used without further purification. Compounds 1a-c have been previously reported in the literature. They were synthesized according to procedures that are slightly modified from the literature procedures.

Example 1

Synthesis of 1a [(^(iPr)PNHP)Fe(H)(CO)(Br)]

In a glovebox, under a nitrogen atmosphere, a 200-mL oven-dried Schlenk flask was charged with complex [^(iPr)PNHP]FeBr₂(CO) (850 mg, 1.545 mmol), NaBH₄ (60 mg, 1.545 mmol, 98% purity), and 100 mL of dry EtOH. The resulting yellow solution was stirred for 18 hours at room temperature and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness to obtain pure 1a (86% isolated yield). The ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra of 1a agreed well with the reported values (see S. Chakraborty et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 7869).

Example 2

Modified Synthesis of 1b [(^(iPr)PNHP)Fe(H)(CO)(HBH₃)]

In a glovebox, under a nitrogen atmosphere, a 200-mL oven-dried Schlenk flask was charged with complex [^(iPr)PNHP]FeBr2(CO) (850 mg, 1.545 mmol), NaBH₄ (131 mg, 3.399 mmol, 98% purity), and 100 mL of dry EtOH. The resulting yellow solution was stirred for 18 hours at room temperature and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness to obtain pure 1b (84% isolated yield). The ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra of 1 b agreed well with the reported values (see S. Chakraborty et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 7869).

Example 3

Modified Synthesis of 1c [(^(iPr)PNP)Fe(H)(CO)]

In a glovebox, under a nitrogen atmosphere, a 200-mL oven-dried Schlenk flask was charged with complex 1 b (500 mg, 1.06 mmol), NaOtBu (106 mg, 1.07 mmol, 97% purity), and 60 mL of dry THF. Immediately, a deep red solution resulted, which was stirred for an additional 30 minutes at room temperature. After that, the solvent was removed under vacuum, and the desired product was extracted into pentane and filtered through a plug of Celite to remove NaBr. The resulting filtrate was evaporated under vacuum to afford pure 1c (76% isolated yield). The ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectra of 1c agreed well with the reported values (see S. Chakaraborty et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 8564).

Example 4

Iron-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Methyl Glycolate in the Presence of EtOH

Under an inert atmosphere, an oven-dried 200-mL thick-wall Schlenk tube equipped with a stir-bar was charged with compound 1c (0.1 mmol), methyl glycolate (0.01 mol, 0.91 g, 98% pure), anhydrous EtOH (0.2 mol, 11.7 mL), and 20 mL of anhydrous toluene. The resulting mixture was heated to 100° C. for ˜16 h using an oil-bath. After ˜16 h, the brown colored solution was cooled to room temperature, volatiles were carefully vented inside the hood, and the resulting liquid was analyzed by gas chromatography.

Under these conditions, 63.1% of methyl glycolate was converted to yield 51.7% of ethylene glycol (EG). EtOAc, MeOH, and trace amounts of methyl formate were also observed as other volatile byproducts.

Example 5

Iron-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Oxalate in the Presence of EtOH

Under an inert atmosphere, an oven-dried 200-mL thick-wall Schlenk tube equipped with a stir-bar was charged with compound 1c (0.1 mmol), dimethyl oxalate (0.01 mol, 1.2 g, 99% pure), anhydrous EtOH (0.2 mol, 11.7 mL), and 20 mL of anhydrous toluene. The resulting mixture was heated to 100° C. for ˜16 h using an oil-bath. After ˜16 h, the brown colored solution was cooled to room temperature, volatiles were carefully vented inside the hood, and the resulting liquid was analyzed by gas chromatography.

Under these conditions, 47.8% of dimethyl oxalate was converted to yield 18.4% of ethylene glycol (EG) and 23.5% of methyl glycolate. EtOAc, MeOH, and trace amounts of methyl formate were also observed as other volatile byproducts.

In the specification, there have been disclosed certain embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A process for preparing a 1,2-diol, the process comprising contacting an ester of the formulas (IV) or (V):

with an anhydrous C₂-C₁₂ alcohol in the presence of a catalyst of the formula (I):

in a reactor at ambient pressure and elevated temperature for a time sufficient to form a 1,2-diol, wherein R¹ and R² are each independently an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, dialkylamido, diarylamido, or alkylarylamido group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R³ and R⁴ are each independently an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, if E is nitrogen; R³ and R⁴ are each independently an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, dialkylamido, diarylamido, or alkylarylamido group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, if E is phosphorus; R¹, R², and P may be connected to form a 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic ring; R³, R⁴, and E may be connected to form a 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic ring; R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently a C₁-C₆ alkylene or arylene group; E is phosphorus or nitrogen; L is a neutral ligand; R¹⁰ is an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R¹¹ is each independently hydrogen, or an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and R¹² is hydrogen, or an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or aryloxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst is formed by introducing a pre-catalyst of the formulas (IIa) or (IIb):

into the reactor and exposing the pre-catalyst to heat, an acid, a base, or combinations thereof; and wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, E, and L are as defined in formula (I); Z is R⁷ or X; R⁷ is hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl group; X is [BH₄]⁻ or a halide; and L² is a neutral ligand.
 3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst is formed by: (a) introducing (i) an iron salt or an iron complex comprising the neutral ligand (L), (ii) a ligand of the formula (III):

and (iii) optionally the neutral ligand (L) into the reactor to form a pre-catalyst mixture; and (b) optionally exposing the pre-catalyst mixture to heat, an acid, a base, or combinations thereof; wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and E are as defined in formula (I).
 4. The process according to claim 1, wherein one or more of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are substituted with one or more groups selected from ethers and amides.
 5. The process according to claim 1, wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, cyclopentyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl, or phenyl group.
 6. The process according to claim 5, wherein each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is isopropyl.
 7. The process according to claim 5, wherein each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is phenyl.
 8. The process according to claim 1, wherein each of R⁵ and R⁶ is —(CH₂CH₂)—.
 9. The process according to claim 1, wherein E is phosphorus.
 10. The process according to claim 1, wherein L is carbon monoxide, a phosphine, an amine, a nitrile, or an N-containing heterocyclic ligand.
 11. The process according to claim 2, wherein L² is an ether, an amide, a nitrile, or an N-containing heterocyclic ligand.
 12. The process according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step is conducted at a temperature of 50 to 180° C.
 13. The process according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step is conducted at a temperature of 75 to 100° C.
 14. The process according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step is conducted in the absence of exogenous molecular hydrogen (H₂).
 15. The process according to claim 1, wherein the contacting step is conducted in the presence of a solvent.
 16. The process according to claim 2, wherein the base is a metal alkoxide or a nitrogen-containing compound.
 17. The process according to claim 16, wherein the base is sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, or triethylamine.
 18. The process according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of the C₂-C₁₂ alcohol to the ester ranges from 2:1 to 100:1.
 19. The process according to claim 1, wherein the C₂-C₁₂ alcohol comprises ethanol, isopropanol, or isobutanol.
 20. The process according to claim 1, wherein the ester is a compound of the formula (IV).
 21. The process according to claim 1, wherein the ester is a compound of the formula (V).
 22. The process according to claim 20, wherein the ester comprises methyl glycolate, the C₂-C₁₂ alcohol comprises ethanol, and the 1,2-diol comprises ethylene glycol.
 23. The process according to claim 20, wherein the ester comprises methyl lactate, the C₂-C₁₂ alcohol comprises ethanol, and the 1,2-diol comprises propylene glycol.
 24. The process according to claim 21, wherein the ester comprises dimethyl oxalate, the C₂-C₁₂ alcohol comprises ethanol, and the 1,2-diol comprises ethylene glycol. 